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Saturday, June 30, 2007

Would you stand by a friend?

Rudy Giuliani's loyalty to an accused pedophile priest threatens to derail his political aspirations. After all, who wants to vote for a man who spends a great deal of time with a person accused of a heinous crime? Alex Koppelman and Joe Strupp dissect Giuliani's Loyalty to an accused priest in Salon.

Monsignor Alan Placa was accused by a 2003 Suffolk County grand jury of sexually abusing children. No charges were ever filed - because of the statute of limitations.

Giuliani employs his childhood friend Monsignor Alan Placa as a consultant at Giuliani Partners despite a 2003 Suffolk County, N.Y., grand jury report that accuses Placa of sexually abusing children, as well as helping cover up the sexual abuse of children by other priests. Placa, who was part of a three-person team that handled allegations of abuse by clergy for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, is referred to as Priest F in the grand jury report. The report summarizes the testimony of multiple alleged victims of Priest F, and then notes, "Ironically, Priest F would later become instrumental in the development of Diocesan policy in response to allegations of sexual abuse of children by priests."

In my heart of hearts, what would I do? I would stand by my friend until such time that I find out personally he is guilty of his alleged crime, and I would keep him away from my kids until the issue is resolved. That is what friends do - however, there are limits to friendship, as there should be. The grand jury report raises sufficient questions to warrant a much closer look at Giuliani's relationship with Placa. Why Giuliani silent?

Giuliani's situation is different. Given his role and power in New York, it is reasonable to assume that Rudi is protecting his life long friend. His actions leave to perception of unclean business. How can that help him secure election?

What would you do in this situation? What should Giuliani do?

I know what George Bush would do. Alan Placa would be nominated to head the Department of Educations because of his experience working with kids.